Elastic tape construction



y 1966 B. A. RANDALL 3,250,301

ELASTI C TAPE CONSTRUCTION Filed April 29, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I] I! II n [I II II II II May 10, 1966 B. A. RANDALL ELASTIC TAPE CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 29, 1963 7 2 I. a 2 n U U. 2 flu U )c mm H 11L! 4 8 1 l. nun W L m w "H U H r? l. n U U m n v H U mi N m m M R v G F INVENTOR. 2QUCE A. RANDALL BY ,wmgqm,

ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,250,301 ELASTIC TAPE CONSTRUCTION Bruce A. Randall, Charlestown, R.I., assignor to A. Stein & Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill. Filed Apr. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 276,322 3 Claims. (Cl. 139-422) This invention relates to an improved woven elastic fabric, such as a narrow-band woven fabric, and particularly relates to an improved selvage therefor having an improved frill edge effect. This invention also relates to improved methods of weaving the improved fabric.

Woven elastic fabrics are commonly made by including in the warp threads certain warp threads which are made of a covered or an uncovered elastomer which may be rubber or synthetic. The fabric is woven under tension, so as to produce a selected pattern when the elastic yarns are relaxed after weaving.

In many instances, it is desirable to weave an elastic fabric of the above-described type in such a way that it will have what is known as a frill edge. Thus, it has been known to utilize what is known as an edge wire to the outside of the elastomer yarns, at the extreme edge of the selvage. Such selvages also include extra warp yarns. The warp yarns and edge wire have been interlaced with the filling yarns in such a way as to produce a selected pattern when the elastic fabric is relaxed following weaving in any subsequent finishing operations.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved technique for weaving the selvage so as to produce a more uniform and more pronounced frill elfect.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fabric of the above-described type having an improved selvage and a more uniform frill effect.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, two edge wires are used on the same side of the fabric, in parallel relation. The weaving is done in such a way that certain of the filling loops are formed around the inner edge wire, and certain of the filling loops are formed around the outer edge wire, in accordance with a preselected pattern] Accordingly, when the edge wires are removed, in accordance with the pattern, there are a set of outer loops and a set of inner loops. As an important feature of the invention, the outer loops provide a pronounced and definite space in which the outermost warp yarns of the selvage may move when the fabric is relaxed. This makes it possible to produce a uniform, yet pronounced frill effect as a result of the movement of the outermost warp yarns of the selvage when the fabric is relaxed.

While any suitable yarn may be used, it has been found advantageous to use continuous synthetic yarns for both friil warp and filling since a better frill is then formed by reason of the lower coefficient of surface friction of such synthetic yarns, as compared to many natural yarns.

3,250,301 Patented May 10, 1966 FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a second embodiment of the invention.

As shown in the fragmentary views FIGS. 1 and 3, ordinary or nonelastomer longitudinal warp yarns 11 are located between the elastomer yarns 10.

The warp yarns are interwoven in any desired pattern with lateral filler yarns 12. As is customary, the weaving is done under tension, and the fabric is appropriately finished after weaving.

A selvage 15 is located to the outside of the outermost elastomer warp yarn 10. The continuous filler yarns or threads 12 are continued across the selvage and doubled back to the main portion of the fabric to form outer and inner loops 16 and 17 at the free longitudinal edge of the selvage. The selvage 15 also comprises a plurality of selvage warp threads or yarns 18 interwoven with the filler threads 12.

A further understanding of the structure of the fabric will be obtained by reference to FIGS. 5-9, which show stages in the formation thereof. FIG. 5 shows a pair of parallel edge wires 21 and 22 which may, for example, be controlled as to position by the loom front reed. Edge wires '21 and 22 may be interwoven with the filler threads in the same pattern or a different pattern than threads 18. FIG. 5 shows the filler yarn 12 passed under and then over the inner edge wire 21 to form an inner loop 17. FIG. 6 shows the filler yarn 12 returned from the loop 17 and interwoven with the selvage warp yarns 18, and then interwoven with the outermost of the elastomer yarns 10.

FIG. 7 shows the next return of the filler yarn 12, in which it is again interwoven with the outermost elastomer yarn 10 and with the selvage warp yarns 18. The edge wires 21 and 22 are both up, so that the yarn 12 passes under the edge wires 21 and 22. As shown in FIG. 7, the edge wires 21 and 22 are then lowered so that the next return of the tiller 12 passes over edge wire 22 to form an outer loop 16 over edge wire 22.

As shown in FIG. 8, the filler yarn 12 is returned over the inner edge wire 21 and then interwoven with the sel vage warp yarns.

FIG. 9 shows the further advance of the fabric, with i the next return of the filler yarn 12-carrying it under and Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

In the drawing,

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved fabric in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, in stretched condition.

FIG. 2 is a section on line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing the fabric in relaxed condition.

FIG. 4 is a section on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are fragmentary diagrammatic detail views showing successive stages in the method of producing fabric in accordance with the first embodiment.

then over the inner edge wire 21 to form a further inner loop 17 (the outer wire 22 being down during the advance and return of the yarn 12).

Since edge wires 21 and 22 are stationary, the advance of the fabric duringweaving ultimately carries the formed loops 17 and 16 off the wires. While not shown in the drawing, the edge wires may extend approximately one inch into the fabric.

To summarize the foregoing, the inner wire 21 is moved in a pattern of one up and one down, so that the filler wire 12 successively passes under and over wire 21. On the other hand, the outer edge wire 22 is moved in a pattern of three down and one up, so that the thread 12 can be looped over the outer wire 22 only every other loop. Accordingly, the inner and outer loops 17 and 16 alternate, as clearly shown in the various views of the drawing.

The resulting loop pattern is shown to enlarged scale in FIG. 1. In the contracted condition of FIG. 3, the ends of loops 17 are essentially quite close to the warp threads, with pronounced spacing remaining in the loops While any suitable pattern of the selvage warp threads may be employed, the pattern illustrated in the drawing is satisfactory. In accordance with this pattern, the threads 18 are maintained relatively tight during the weaving of the stretched fabric, and are woven alternately over and under the filler threads in a 1 x 1 pattern.

In the stretched condition of the fabric, as shown in FIG. 1, the ends of the loops 17 extend outwardly of and are only slightly spaced from the selvage warp threads 18.

When the fabric is released and relaxes or contracts, as

' shown in FIG. 3, the selvage warp threads fill out and are contained within the loops 17. In addition, between loops 17, the warp threads 18 shift laterally into the loops 16.

It will be apparent that the exact arrangement of the selvage Warp yarns 18 may be varied. The important consideration is the provision of the distinct inner and outer loops 17 and 16, with resulting constriction of warp yarns 18 in the inner loops 17 and expansion of yarns 18 under controlled conditions into the outer loops 16 when th fabric is relaxed, so as to produce a pronounced but regular frill pattern. The use of the second edge wire 21, in the manner described, permits proper control of the fabric, through conventional adjustments, to ensure uniform shifting of warp threads 18 when the fabric is relaxed, so as to obtain a uniform frill effect. The use of the two edge wires 21 and 22 to produce the desired loop effect makes it possible to vary the spacing of the edge wires 21 and 22 in accordance with the exact pattern Wanted and the extent of stretch of the fabric, during the weaving.

It will further be apparent that the sequence of movements of the wires 21 and 22 may be varied from that shown in the first embodiment, in order to produce any desired pattern of inner and outer loops 17 and 16. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the loop pattern may consist of two successive inner loops 170 followed by two successive outer loops 160. It will be obvious without illustration, that this pattern may beproduced by continuing to move the inner wire 21 in a pattern of one up and one down, while moving the outer edge wire 22 in a pattern of five down, one up, one down and one up.

It will further be apparent without showing that any other desired loop pattern may be produced by appropriate manipulation of the wires 21 and 22. For example,

the pattern may consist of one inner loop, one outer loop and then two inner loops. Furthermore, for example, the pattern may consist of three outer loops followed by one inner loop. Other suitable patterns may be obtained.

While I have disclosed preferred embodiments of the invention and have indicated various possible changes, omissions and additions which may be made therein, it will be apparent that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made in the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. Woven elastic fabric comprising a main portion having longitudinal warp threads some of which are elastic interwoven with lateral filler threads and a selvage, said filler threads being continued across said selvage and doubled back to said main portion to form loops at the free longitudinal edge of said selvage, said loops being divided into a set of inner loops and a set of outer loops, said outer loop being laterally outwards of said inner loops, said outer loops and inner loops being interspersed in selected pattern, said selvage also comprising a plurality of selvage warp threads all tightly interwoven With all of said filler threads, all of said selvage Warp threads being inelastic, said selvage warp threads extending outwardly no further than said inner loops in stretched condition of the fabric and filling said inner loops in relaxed condition of the fabric and then extending outwardly of said inner loop-s within the said outer loops.

2. Woven elastic fabric according to claim 1, said inner and outer loops being interspersed in pattern where by the inner loops and outer loops alternate in one to one succession.

3. Woven elastic fabric according to claim 1, said outer and inner loops being interspersed in selected pattern whereby two inner loops in succession alternate with two outer loops in succession.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,044,226 11/ 1912 Miiller 139385 1,697,660 l/ 1929 Rehfuss 139--3'85 1,910,073 5/1933 Weidhass 139--42l 2,142,157 1/1939 Seidel 139-421 X 2,418,187 4/1947 Moore 13942l 2,557,315 6/1951 Schiappa 139421 2,582,169 6/1952 Schiappa 139--421v FOREIGN PATENTS 102,692 3/ 1926 Austria.

2,603 of 1883 Great Britain.

DONALD W. PARKER, Primary Examiner.

. J. KEE CHI, Assislant'Examiner. 

1. WOVEN ELASTIC FABRIC COMPRISING A MAIN PORTION HAVING LONGITUDINAL WARP THREADS SOME OF WHICH ARE ELASTIC INTERWOVEN WITH LATERAL FILLER THREADS AND A SELVAGE, SAID FILLER THREADS BEING CONTINUED ACROSS SAID SELVAGE AND DOUBLED BACK TO SAID MAIN PORTION TO FORM LOOPS AT THE FREE LONGITUDINAL EDGE OF SAID SELVAGE, SAID LOOPS BEING DIVIDED INTO A SET OF INNER LOOPS AND A SET OF OUTER LOOPS, SAID OUTER LOOP BEING LATERALLY OUTWARDS OF SAID INNER LOOPS, SAID OUTER LOOPS AND INNER LOOPS BEING INTERSPERSED IN SELECTED PATTERN, SAID SELVAGE ALSO COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SELVAGE WARP THREADS ALL TIGHTLY INTERWOVEN WITH ALL OF SAID FILLER THREADS, ALL OF SAID SELVAGE WARP THREADS BEING INELASTIC, SAID SELVAGE WARP THREADS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY NO FURTHER THAN SAID INNER LOOPS IN STRETCHED CONDITION OF THE FABRIC AND FILLING SAID INNER LOOPS IN RELAXED CONDITION OF THE FABRIC AND THEN EXTENDING OUTWARDLY OF SAID INNER LOOPS WITHIN THE SAID OUTER LOOPS. 